Economic downturn spurs rise in food pantry services

Food pantry administrators in The Bronx say they have seen a significant increase in the number of meals they are providing since 2010.

Administrators at Part of the Solution food pantry say in particular, they have seen a 46-percent increase in meals served to the needy and that the increase is a result of the economic downturn that has left many Bronx residents in dire financial need.

The pantry says on average, it helps more than 7,000 residents a year.